Sekhukhune goalkeeper called up for Afcon qualifiers

Sekhukhune United’s back up goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga has been included in Equatorial Guinea’s squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone later this month.

The 33-year-old Sapunga has not played in the Betway Premiership since last October but been on the bench this season for Sekhukhune, where Melusi Buthelezi, recently signed from Orlando Pirates, is first choice.

It is the first squad named by new Equatorial Guinea coach Vincento Alberto Annese

The 41-year-old Italian replaced Juan Michà, whose contract ran to an end in mid-year.

Equatorial Guinea begin their Group E campaign in Kinshasa on September 24 and then take on Sierra Leone in Yaounde, Cameroon four days later, having forfeited home advantage because their stadiums have been declared unfit for international football by the Confederation of African Football.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Miguel Angel Nkongo (CSD Ebenezer), Jesus Owono (Andorra FC, Andorra), Manuel Sapunga (Sekhukhune Unitews, South Africa)

Defenders: Marvin Anieboh (Tanjong Pagar United, Singapore), Saul Coco (Torino, Italy), Jose Elo (CSM Olimpia Satu Mare, Romania), Emmanuel Mbomio Angue (Atletico Ottawa, Canada), Basilio Ndong (KF Tirana, Albania), Charles Ondo (IL Hodd, Norway), Esteban Orozco (Hai Phong, Vietnam)

Midfielders: Gael Akogo (Arenas de Gexto, Spain), Alejandro Balboa (Real Valladolid, Spain), Junior Bita (Rayo Cantabria, Spain), Jannick Buyla (Lusitano Evora, Oortugal), Santiago Eneme (Sparta Prague, Czech Republic), Pablo Ganet (Persia Tangerang, Indonesia), Jose Machin (Sembenedettese, Italy), Oscar Mascarelli (Al Khaleej, Saudi Arabia), Javier Mum (Muza, Italy)

Forwards: Luis Asue (Shanghai Shenhua, China), Enrique Esono (Nomme Kalju, Estonia), Dorian Junior (Viborg, Denmark), Cristian Makate (Lierse, Belgium), Jose Nabil (Uniao Leiria, Portugal), Lorenzo Zuniga (Al Madina, Libya).